Allegation of "political interference" in prosecution and court decision unfounded and groundless
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam rejected claim of political interference in Hong Kong's courts, adding that the rule of law and judicial independence are vital to the city's stability and prosperity. In response to the procession on the case of the sentence review, the Government has issued a statement (Aug 21) stating that the decisions to prosecute and appeal were made in accordance with the Prosecution Code, applicable laws and relevant evidence, as clearly pointed out by the Department of Justice earlier, and that there is absolutely no political consideration involved. Further, allegations that the Court is under political interference are totally unfounded and groundless. The Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong have pointed out the errors in these allegations in a joint statement.

Hong Kong civil service examination dates announced
The dates for civil service examination in 2017 and its application has been announced. For more information, click here.

HKUST develops hydrogels that could enhance material biology and biomedicine
A research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has created a new protein-based, stimuli-responsive smart hydrogel that could open doors for future material biology and biomedical applications. For details, click here.

Hong Kong Remains World’s Freest Economy
The Hong Kong government welcomed the Heritage Foundation's ranking of Hong Kong as the world's freest economy for the 23rd consecutive year in its 2017 Index of Economic Freedom. The Index ranks the degree of economic freedom in 186 economies, based on 12 quantitative and qualitative factors such as rule of law and open markets. Hong Kong has been ranked the world’s freest economy since the index was first published in 1995. Details here.

Hong Kong ranked world's most competitive economy
Hong Kong has been crowned the world's most competitive economy for the second consecutive year, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2017. Among the four competitive factors, the IMD highly recognized Hong Kong on its government efficiency and business efficiency while the city's ranking in 'infrastructure' also showed an improvement. Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed the ranking saying the ranking is a clear recognition of the city's steadfast fiscal discipline, as well as the incessant effort put into building a favorable business environment and a robust financial system. Details here.

Hong Kong's Advantages in Belt and Road Initiatives
Hong Kong, with its unique advantages, can make an important contribution to the Belt & Road initiatives - a visionary, long-term initiative launched by the Chinese government to foster closer economic, political, cultural, and social links across Asia to the Middle East, Europe and Africa. As a "superconnector" and an international trade and business center, Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in financial and professional services, transport and logistics, legal services and dispute resolution. For more information on Hong Kong's advantages, click here.

Safeguard HK App
For travelers and students outside Hong Kong, you would find the new app "Safeguard HK" useful. It provides useful information on safety and assistance in handling emergencies that may occur during travels outside of Hong Kong, e.g. major emergency incidents happening around the world, outbound travel alerts, contact information for Chinese consulates in host countries, etc. 
The app is available for free from Google Play and Apple App Store.
For more information: http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/news/mobileapp/index.htm

Director-General of Investment Promotion visits New York
In his meeting with the New York business community on August 22, Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Stephen Phillips said InvestHK wants to help companies grow in and via Hong Kong. He highlighted business opportunities Hong Kong offers to US companies, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Details here.

Bidding adieu to summer interns
Six young undergrads from Hong Kong and the US are wrapping up their summer internships in the office, after two months helping out in various publicity and administrative duties primarily related to the celebration of the 20th anniversary (of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR). The interns tried their hand at drafting FB posts, remarks and research reports, and were heavily involved in organising various publicity events such as the 20A Gala Dinner, the New York Asian Film Festival and the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York. Details here.

HKETONY rings bell at New York’s stock exchange, for HK Dragon Boat Festival in New York
Joining other executives and sponsors, HKETONY director Joanne Chu visited the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and rang the opening bell on Aug 10 to usher in the Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in NY, to be held Aug 12-13. Details here.

After Suzhou, there are no more boats: John Slosar to US businesses
Hong Kong chairman of the Hong Kong-United States Business Council John Slosar gave a luncheon talk on August 3 reflecting on the 20 years of development in Hong Kong and giving an update on the city’s opportunities for US businesses. Details here.

Farewell My Friends
Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay bids farewell to the office and will be returning to Hong Kong for his retirement. He reflects on his life and career with the Hong Kong government.

Remarks by Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York Steve Barclay at a Media Session (July 26, 2017)
Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay recounted some of the proudest accomplishments of his three-year stint in New York in the final media session (July 26)before his upcoming retirement. As the pioneer of the office’s first Facebook page and the driving force behind sports exchange for Hong Kong rugby teams in New York, he expressed his hope that the office would continue to build on his efforts to reach out to a new generation. Details here.

Director-designate of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York Joanne Chu meets local media
Director-designate of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York Joanne Chu, met with the local media in New York. Details here.

Dragons Awaken in Times Square
A dragon boat awakening ceremony was held in Times Square on July 20 ahead of the 27th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, the largest such event in the city and in the US. Officiating at the colorful ceremony to kick off the festival, Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay said he hopes the festival would continue to foster stronger Hong Kong-New York sporting and cultural ties. More than 200 teams from around the country are expected to compete in the two-day festival (August 12-13) in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which will feature two new boats and a special race dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Details here.

Hong Kong film directors and actress Carrie Ng in New York
Hong Kong directors Derek Hui, Wong Chun, and Lawrence Lau, were in New York to attend screenings of their respective films at the 16th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). During the July 13 media session, they discussed what defines Hong Kong films, how the industry is faring, and whether box office receipts are important in directing a movie. Welcoming the filmmakers, Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay said that he was pleased that the NYAFF introduced a special program this year to focus on Hong Kong’s exciting new generation of directors. Hong Kong actress Carrie Ng and director Alan Lo were also in New York for the screening of their film "Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight" on the final night of this year's NYAFF. They met with the audience after the screening. Details here.

Hong Kong films in the spotlight in New York
The 2017 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) presented a diverse selection of 10 outstanding Hong Kong films, including a number of North American premieres. Its Star Hong Kong Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Hong Kong cinema legend Eric Tsang, in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the industry over the years, both on and behind the camera. The Festival is showcasing both the newest releases and classic hits from Hong Kong under the banner "Hong Kong Panorama", sponsored by the HKETONY, at Lincoln Center and the School of Visual Arts Theatre. Speaking at a press conference on July 12 to introduce Tsang and his "Mad World" colleagues to the media, the Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay said the Hong Kong Government's efforts to promote film development and nurture young talents have begun to bear fruit. Details here.

Hong Kong Day at Massachusetts State House
Hong Kong Commissioner to the US Clement Leung received a citation from the Office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR at the “Hong Kong Day” event at Massachusetts State House on July 11. More than 200 guests, including business and community leaders, as well as a number of state representatives and their staff, attended the event. Details here.

20th anniversary concert wows audience
Acclaimed musicians from Hong Kong and New York performed at the “From Hong Kong with Love” concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on July 8. The event was supported by the HKETONY in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR. The evening's program featured traditional Chinese music, works by George Gershwin and Astor Piazzolla, and the world premiere of Zhen Chen’s composition “Longing”. Young award-winning Hong Kong pianist Wong Sze Yuen, flew in from Hong Kong to perform at the concert. Details here.

Hong Kong rugby teams compete in New York tournament
For the first time, two Hong Kong rugby teams competed in New York’s leading rugby tourney, the Hell Gate Sevens, on July 8. The tournament, which was part of the celebrations of the Hong Kong SAR’s 20th anniversary, was sponsored by the HKETONY for the second year running. Hong Kong clubs Sai Kung and Yuen Long, the winners of the Hong Kong District Rugby Sevens Tournament, competed in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, against the top teams in the American Northeast. Speaking at a July 6 press conference, HKETONY Director Steve Barclay said he hoped the competition would encourage further rugby and sports exchanges between two great cities - Hong Kong and New York. Details here.

HKETONY rings bell at New York’s stock exchange
Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay rang the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange on June 30 afternoon, signaling the close of the day’s trading. This coincides with early morning of July 1 in Hong Kong – the very day of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Adding some festive colors to the closing bell ceremony and the NYSE trading floor was a Cantonese opera singer and a lion dance troupe. Details here.

Gala dinner celebrates Hong Kong SAR’s 20th anniversary in style
HKETONY hosted a gala dinner in New York (June 28) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Invited guests toasted to Hong Kong’s success and were treated to a performance of a “Hong Kong Medley” by Hong Kong- and New York-based musicians and a fashion show. In his keynote remarks, Hong Kong Commissioner to the US, Clement Leung said that Hong Kong continues to succeed thanks to the principle of “One Country, Two Systems,” which, he said, “has given businesses the trust, confidence and predictability to thrive in the region.” Details here.

HKETONY director meets with Hartford Mayor
Director Steve Barclay paid a courtesy call on Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin during his duty visit to Connecticut on June 23. In the meeting, they exchanged ideas and views on the two cities economic and transportation systems development. Details here.

Hong Kong musicians shine at Carnegie Hall
Six acclaimed musicians from Hong Kong’s Vantage Music Artists dazzled the New York audience at the “Inspirational Liaisons – Encore” concert at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall on June 11. The concert is supported by HKETONY to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Details here.

Dragon boats roar for 20A in Boston
A record 75 teams competed in the 38th Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on June 10-11. This year's festival featured a special 20th anniversary race to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Details here.

20th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR celebration launched in Chicago
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York(HKETONY) launched the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Chicago with a glittering award night paying tribute to Teddy Robin Kwan on May 11. The versatile Hong Kong film and music talent was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay lauded Teddy Robin for his tremendous contribution to Hong Kong cinema and music. “A pioneer of Hong Kong’s pop-scene, and a prolific composer, he has produced and composed numerous Cantonese film scores that are easy listening with meaningful lyrics,” said Mr Barclay.
Details here.

Hong Kong Composers’ Music to Kick Off HKETONY's 20A Events
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) will be hosting more than 20 events to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, starting with an April 8 concert featuring works by all young Hong Kong composers. The “New Music from Hong Kong” concert at The DiMenna Centre for Classical Music in mid-town Manhattan features the world and US premieres of pieces by seven Hong Kong composers: Galison Lau, So Ka-wai, Austin Yip, Leung Chi-hin, Cynthia Wong, Wendy Lee and Donald Yu. Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay said 20 years since the return to the Motherland, Hong Kong remains a dynamic business center with a rich and thriving arts and cultural scene. “We hope to bring more Hong Kong success stories to the US, showcasing our talent and reaching out to American audiences under the theme ‘Together · Progress · Opportunity’,” he said. Details here.

HKETONY Director visits three Midwestern states
Director Steve Barclay of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) visited the states of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana earlier this month (April 4-6) meeting with state government leaders, business executives and students. Details here.

Vivienne Tam's Fall/Winter 2017 Collection in New York rooted in Hong Kong
Vivienne Tam's Fall/Winter 2017 Collection, inspired by the electrifying energy of Hong Kong, was launched in New York Fashion Week February 15. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) is delighted to work with the international fashion designer as Hong Kong celebrates the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The catwalk presentation by the fashion designer alluded to the vibrancy and beauty of the city where she grew up and studied. Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Clement Leung said, "We are pleased to collaborate with the Hong Kong iconic fashion designer to celebrate our city's achievements over the past two decades with a Hong Kong-themed and inspired collection. Vivienne is known for her culture-bridging, East-meets-West approach to design." Details here.

Hong Kong Commissioner expresses hope for stronger trade relations
The Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA, Clement Leung, has expressed hope that Hong Kong-US economic relations will gather momentum in the Year of the Rooster. Speaking to more than 300 guests at a Chinese New Year reception of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY), Mr Leung gave an update on the latest economic situation of Hong Kong. Welcoming guests, the Director of HKETONY Steve Barclay said the office will host a number of events and activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Details here.

Hong Kong Commissioner delivers keynote speech in Michigan

Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States Clement Leung delivered the keynote speech “Five Trends to Watch in Asia – How Hong Kong is Taking on the Challenges”, at the 26th Asia Business Conference at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business on Jan 20. He highlighted strong US-Hong Kong bilateral ties, and the latest developments in Hong Kong, including the city’s role in the "Belt and Road" initiative as well as the government's support for innovation and technology. Details here.

HKETONY director fosters ties with Atlanta
Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) Steve Barclay visited Atlanta on July 6-8 to promote business and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the Peach State. Details here.